news and current affairs.
Barrow Remains Popular as Critics Miss the Mark
Saihou Mballow, President Adama Barrow's political adviser, strongly defended the president's performance and popularity. He argued that claims of public dissatisfaction are completely unfounded. Mballow asserted that Gambians are overwhelmingly supportive of Barrow and eager to see him continue leading the country beyond 2026. The adviser emphasized Barrow's sacrifices before becoming president and his contributions to national development. He claimed that potential political rivals lack a meaningful impact on the country's progress. Mballow suggested that Barrow's achievements are visible across multiple sectors, making him the most trustworthy leadership option. After touring the country, Mballow reported growing public admiration...
Gambia Mourns Beloved Legend Taka Titi
Hassoum Ceesay from the National Centre for Arts and Culture led tributes to Taka Titi, a legendary cultural ambassador who died on April 12th in Janjanbureh. Ceesay described Titi as more than an entertainer, calling him a profound cultural communicator and historian who served his community, country, and international tourists. Travel journalist Yunus Salieu remembered Titi as a powerful traditional communicator who used cultural instruments, especially drums, to connect with local communities. Salieu noted that tourists would particularly miss seeing Titi performing by the riverside and Freedom Tree, entertaining visitors with his three drums. Omar Jammeh, a National Assembly Member, called Titi an irreplaceable asset and cultural...
Judge cuts life sentence to 10 years for mobile thief
A Banjul High Court judge sentenced Kemo Jobe to ten years behind bars for robbing Lamin Touray of a mobile phone worth 8,344 dalasis. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh initially considered imposing a life sentence after finding Jobe guilty of threatening Touray with a bottle and stealing his Huawei device. The judge expressed strong disgust toward the criminal act but ultimately decided against the maximum punishment. Jobe's defense lawyer argued that his client was young and a first-time offender, which swayed the judge's decision. Justice Jaiteh noted that Jobe appeared repentant and had seemingly learned important lessons from his criminal actions. The court invoked section 29(2) of the Criminal Code, allowing flexibility in sentencing for...
MP warns Gambia drowning in silent suicide crisis
A national legislator from Banjul North has raised urgent concerns about rising suicide rates across the Gambia. Modou Lamin B. Bah highlighted three suspected suicide cases within a single week, calling for immediate national intervention. He described the incidents as more than statistics, representing devastating losses for families and communities. The Assembly member stressed how cultural barriers prevent people from seeking mental health support. Societal expectations often force individuals to hide emotional struggles, creating a dangerous silence around mental health challenges. Bah argued that current social norms discourage open discussions about psychological distress. Rights advocates and mental health professionals have...
Finnish mayor candidate stuns with Russian past
Daniel Sazonov clinched the mayor position in Helsinki after a tight local election. The 32-year-old politician of Russian descent secured victory for the National Coalition Party, beating out the Social Democratic Party. Born to Ingrian Finnish parents who immigrated from St. Petersburg, Sazonov became a Finnish citizen at nine years old. He boasts an impressive political background with military service and city council experience since 2017. Sazonov previously served as Deputy Mayor, handling social and health services. His political career includes leadership roles within the National Coalition Party and active participation in city government. During his campaign, a controversy surfaced regarding his past writings for a...
Casanova 2 Delivers Soviet Sun, Scams and Cognac
A popular Russian television series has captured audiences across generations. "Casanova 2: On the Run" transports viewers to 1980s Moscow during Olympic preparations. The show follows Igor Apreltsev, a charming con artist navigating complex personal and professional challenges. Anton Khabarov stars as the lead character, bringing depth to the role of a skilled manipulator seeking redemption. The series brilliantly captures the nostalgic essence of Soviet-era southern resort life. Viewers experience a rich cultural landscape through meticulously crafted scenes depicting elite lifestyle and adventure. Elegant costumes and authentic settings transport audiences to a time of limited but exciting opportunities. The narrative explores...
Cooking Oil Confusion Leaves Zimbabweans Fed Up
Zimbabwe faces complex economic challenges, driving up basic commodity prices. The minister of industry attempted to explain recent price increases, focusing on cooking oil costs. Her remarks about crude oil sparked widespread social media confusion and mockery. Multiple factors contribute to rising prices beyond exchange rates. Fuel costs have increased since December. Utility companies raised prices during the pandemic. Supply chain disruptions create additional economic pressures. Business expenses related to COVID-19 testing and safety measures further impact consumer prices. Import dependency remains Zimbabwe's fundamental economic weakness. The country relies heavily on imported raw materials and finished goods. Local production...
Borehole Wild West Ends as Govt Cracks Down
Zimbabwe's water authorities are cracking down on unregulated borehole drilling. Property owners across Harare are receiving $100 invoices from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority. The government aims to bring order to an uncontrolled groundwater extraction landscape. Water scarcity continues to plague many Zimbabwean urban areas. Some suburbs have lacked consistent running water for over a decade. Chitungwiza residents experience water service as infrequently as one day per week. Boreholes have become a critical lifeline for communities struggling with water infrastructure challenges. Experts argue that the new regulatory approach is necessary. Uncontrolled drilling has led to groundwater depletion and potential contamination...
China Cranks Up Economic Ties in Zimbabwe
China deepens economic ties with Zimbabwe through strategic partnerships. A delegation from Jiangsu Province met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to discuss potential projects. The team plans investments in solar energy, biomedicine, and infrastructure developments. Trade organizations are exploring new opportunities for Zimbabwe's agricultural exports. The Asia and Africa Joint Trade and Investment Promotion Association is preparing a tobacco expo for September. Chinese investors have shown interest in the macadamia and avocado production markets. China offers zero tariff access for Belt and Road Initiative partners. Through the growing relationship, Zimbabwe stands to increase export revenues. The country becomes positioned as a...
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